The Ferrari 575M Maranello at RM Sotheby's Amelia Island Auction

The Ferrari 575M Maranello, with the 'M' representing modificata ('modified'), is in reference to the many updates it received when compared to its predecessor, the 550. Power was from a 5.7-liter, 515 horsepower engine with electronic sequential port fuel injection. The 575M holds the distinction as being the first production V-12 Ferrari to be fitted with the F1-stype paddle-shift electro-hydraulically controlled transmission. Additional upgrades over its 500 predecessor were larger disc brakes, better weigh distribution, an adaptive suspension setup, refined aerodynamics, and a redesigned interior. Zero-to-sixty mph took just 4 seconds and the top speed was achieved at 201 mph. Production lasted from 2002 to 2006 with 2,056 examples built.

Over the past few years, the auction prices on the 2003 Ferrari 575 Maranello have been up-and-down, with prices ranging from $78K to over $385K. But a quick peak into a few of those sales reveal why there is such a wide gap......

Going back a few years to 2016, RM Auctions offered a 2002 Ferrari 575 Maranello (chassis ZFFBV55AX20127464) at their Amelia Island Auction with pre-auction estimates of $400K - $475K. At the time, it was in the care of its fifth owner and had 4,511 miles on its odometer. It had an aftermarket exhaust system, though the original exhaust was still with the car. Most of the Ferrari 575M models had the 'F1' gearbox, with just 246 owners selecting the manual six-speed unit, including 20127464. RM sold the car for $462K*.

Another example is chassis number ZFFBV55A630133408, a low-mileage example with the 'F1' style gearbox. The low mileage (8,912 miles) example sold at auction in 2018 for $79,200*, returning in 2020 with 9,646 miles and selling for $108,080*.

The cars equipped with the six-speed manual gearbox are certainly demanding a higher premium, with prices two-to-three times those of the 'F1' gearbox. The 'F1' cars appear to have a more consistent selling price ranging from the $80Ks to $125K range.

Considering the pedigree, Enzo Ferrari's preferred front-engine layout, 200+ top speed, and the refinements over the 550, the 575M certainly represent an 'affordable' entry into the collector car market. Built as a grand tourer with a design by Pininfarina, they can be driven comfortably while the occupants enjoy the sounds produced from the legendary V12 engine.

Chassis number ZFFBV55A730133420

This year, RM Sotheby's is offering a 2003 Ferrari 575 Maranello, chassis number ZFFBV55A730133420, at their Amelia Island Auction. It currently has 6,129 miles on the odometer, has the 'F1' style gearbox, and pre-auction estimates of $100,000-$125,000. In 2015, it was sold for $100K* in Monterey at Mecum's auction where it had 4,900 miles on the odometer. In 2019, Bonham's sold the 5,900 mile car at their Scottsdale, Az. auction for $112K* (pre-auction estimates of $110K-$130K).

With its low mileage and 'F1' gearbox, this would make a great touring car that could easily handle many miles of enjoyable use without fear of much (or possibly any) depreciation. If it had the six-speed manual, we would recommend keeping the miles low to preserve the collectability. With the much more common 'F1' gearbox, we would hope the new owner gets many miles of enjoyable use from their investment.

Since it is offered without reserve, the car will find new ownership when it crosses the auction block on March 6th.

* - prices include buyer's premium and fees

Photo by David McNeese, courtesy of RM Sotheby's.

Photo credit: Dan Vaughan
posted on conceptcarz.com

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